A rolling strike by unionized academic workers protesting the University of California’s handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations started at UC San Diego on June 3. The strike has now spread to UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine, following strikes at UC Santa Cruz, UCLA, and UC Davis. The United Auto Workers Local 4811, representing workers at these universities, is demanding that UC drop criminal and conduct charges against members who protested peacefully. The state Public Employment Relations Board rejected UC’s request for an injunction to halt the strikes, prompting UC to pursue legal action. The union is asking for amnesty for arrested protesters, guarantees of freedom of speech on campus, and the ability for researchers to opt out of funding tied to the Israeli Defense Force. Pro-Israel groups on campus claim the strike is illegal and linked to anti-Semitic movements, while organizers of the Gaza Solidarity encampment at UC San Diego continue to call for an end to the destruction in Gaza.
Protests at UCSD Continue in Support of Gaza
On May 8, over 1,000 protesters gathered at UCSD to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza. The demonstrations also included criticisms of the school administration following recent arrests.
Two days later, on May 10, UCSD students and faculty organized a walkout. More than 100 members of the UCSD community marched to Khosla’s residence off campus, chanting and carrying signs urging the university to cut financial ties with Israel.
The UC system has countered the union’s accusations and filed unfair labor practice complaints, citing a no-strike provision in the union’s contract and claiming that the demands are not related to labor issues. The university has refused calls for amnesty as well.
According to a statement released by UC officials, the UAW’s intentions to “maximize chaos and confusion” have had significant negative impacts on campuses and students during a critical phase of their education.
The union represents various academic roles including teaching assistants, researchers, and tutors.
